Ravens: Five things to know
WESTMINSTER, Md. -- It's shortly after practice, and Baltimore middle linebacker Ray Lewis isn't interested in talking about the Ravens' "46" defense, its impact on him or its impact on opponents. What he wants discuss is where he's headed, and for the moment, it's not toward the legions of spectators clamoring for autographs.

Don't believe the smile; Ray Lewis says he's serious about becoming the league MVP. (AP)
Lewis will accommodate them, but not before he first gets something off his chest.

"You know what I expect from myself this year?" he said, stopping to towel off his face. "MVP of the league. Not defensive MVP. MVP of the league. If I don't come away with MVP of the league it's highway robbery."

Someone alert the sheriff's patrol because there are a couple of things Ray Lewis should know before we proceed here: 1.) A defensive player hasn't won the award since linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986, and 2.) every recipient since Taylor has been either a running back or quarterback.

Lewis shrugs. He likes his chances.

"It's going to be the first time (in a long time) a defensive player wins the MVP," he said, "so watch me."

It's hard not to. When Lewis is on the field, you can't help but follow him. Hey, even when he's not on the field, you can't ignore him. He acts up for cameras in pregame intros. He plays to his audience on the field. He races sideline to sideline to bury ball carriers. He hammers quarterbacks. He produces interceptions and forces fumbles.

He even throws blocks. Remember Chris McAlister's 107-yard return of a deflected field goal three years ago? Remember who threw the critical block? Uh-huh, it was Ray Lewis.

Yes, Lewis can do it all, despite reports to the contrary. There was some loose talk last season that Lewis lost a step -- at least, that's what Lewis and coach Brian Billick insist they read -- and some of it was based on a Monday night performance against Kansas City, where cameras caught Pro Bowl guard Will Shields riding Lewis out of a play.

It's a touchy subject, with Lewis pointing out that he and then-linebackers coach Mike Singletary reviewed the videotape and found him solo blocked only twice. But it didn't matter. The damage was done. TV uncovered evidence of Kryptonite in Baltimore that evening, and Lewis suffered for it.

Now, one season later, it's payback time. Lewis is fixed on proving the skeptics wrong, and you had better believe him here because coordinator Rex Ryan's "46" defense is perfectly suited to his seek-and-destroy abilities.

Baltimore Ravens
Out of Nowhere Man
LB Rod Green

It seems that when we talk about the Ravens we always end up talking about linebackers, so we have another for you -- second-year pro Rod Green. A former fifth-round draft pick out of Central Missouri State, Green will serve as a designated pass rusher -- and look for him to gain significant time with rookie Dan Cody out for possibly the season. Green isn't big -- he's 6-2, 250 -- but he's aggressive, with great upper body strength to take on offensive tackles.
Five things to know
"He was a great player in a 3-4 defense," said Ryan, "and he was the best middle linebacker in the league the past couple of years. But if you had Dick Butkus and you played him in a 3-4, it would be a waste. You want him free to run and hit so when that back cuts back, Ray Lewis is there."

So far, the results aren't just encouraging; they're frightening. In Baltimore's scrimmage against Washington on Saturday, Lewis was everywhere, producing four tackles, one sack and one deflected pass in 15 snaps. It was Lewis at his best, and it offered a glimpse into what may be in store for opposing clubs.

Think about what he just said. Lewis is a seven-time Pro Bowl choice, a two-time NFL defensive MVP and someone who three times had 200 or more tackles in a season -- including 2004. Now Billick and the Ravens think they have a defensive scheme to make him more effective than ever. In fact, they think they have a scheme that can make their entire defense more effective, more intimidating, more dominating than at any time since 2000.

And it all starts with the man in the middle.

"Once again the microscope is where I need it to be," Lewis said. "It's back on me again because they think I lost a step, and that's the truth.

"I've got (a newspaper) where they say, 'What can you expect from Ray Lewis? He was blocked a couple of times last year.' So they think I'm losing a step. Wow. Just because I was blocked they think I'm losing a step?"

Maybe someone should consult those Washington linemen.

"I hope people think Ray's lost a step," said Billick. "I hope people think they don't have to game-plan for him. I hope they think they exposed him because it's going to be fun to watch him absolutely annihilate them."

It's never been hard to find Ray Lewis on the football field. You just follow the ball, and sooner or later, he appears. Only this year he's after more, much more, than just the football.

"Every year I have something to prove," he said, "but this time it's personal."

Bwana

08-08-2005, 08:32 AM

Leon needs to shut his yap.

Saulbadguy

08-08-2005, 08:35 AM

Madden curse.

donkhater

08-08-2005, 08:35 AM

I call BS. I can remember at least three times he was blocked solo (at least the ones that ABC replayed).

1. Jordan Black blocked him solo late in the game.

2. Will Shields on the goal line at the beginning of the fourth quarter (Ray-Ray end up on his back BTW)

3. Welborn's block in which Priest ran right by him. I don't think Ray-Ray even saw him go by.

beer bacon

08-08-2005, 08:38 AM

I call BS. I can remember at least three times he was blocked solo (at least the ones that ABC replayed).

1. Jordan Black blocked him solo late in the game.

2. Will Shields on the goal line at the beginning of the fourth quarter (Ray-Ray end up on his back BTW)

3. Welborn's block in which Priest ran right by him. I don't think Ray-Ray even saw him go by.

He was blocked solo by just about the entire O-line, some O-line backups, and Richardson last year.

He may very well get MVP again this year. He doesn't have to play against the Chiefs.

Chiefs_Mike_Topeka

08-08-2005, 08:39 AM

I call BS. I can remember at least three times he was blocked solo (at least the ones that ABC replayed).

1. Jordan Black blocked him solo late in the game.

2. Will Shields on the goal line at the beginning of the fourth quarter (Ray-Ray end up on his back BTW)

3. Welborn's block in which Priest ran right by him. I don't think Ray-Ray even saw him go by.

Its absolute BS, I watched that game at least 5 times and can remember numerous occasions where he was blocked one on one or taken completely out of the play. There were at least 3 plays where T-Rich completely stoned him by himself.

htismaqe

08-08-2005, 08:43 AM

Will Shields?

BAH!

He was pancaked by both Jordan Black and Tony Richardson.

InChiefsHell

08-08-2005, 08:44 AM

I was gonna say, I remember specifically T-Rich laying the wood to Lewis in that game, more than once.

...he was mic'ed up for that game. Does anyone remember him crying about the double team he was getting on every play? Talk about embarassing...I guarantee he didn't intend on that making the airwaves!!

B_Ambuehl

08-08-2005, 08:45 AM

Naa he'll never win MVP or probably even defensive player of the year because with that game last year he showed what really goes on with the middle linebacker position and lost some of his hype. All middle linebackers have to take on blocks and get blocked.....up until that point the average fan thought lewis was above and beyond all that. Now they know he's just a regular guy who gets blocked like anybody else and happens to make quite a few tackles.

the Talking Can

08-08-2005, 08:46 AM

Lewis' new name is "T-Rich's Bitch"

He got his ass kicked that night...Chiefs were lining up to get a piece of him.

Don't run away from Lewis. Run right at him.

Goapics1

08-08-2005, 08:51 AM

Ray Ray is not the same player he used to be. Phug him, I could block his ass now.............

Crush

08-08-2005, 08:52 AM

Look at the papers!

Chiefs_Mike_Topeka

08-08-2005, 08:59 AM

Ray Ray is not the same player he used to be. Phug him, I could block his ass now.............

Uhhh that might be an overstatement.......

:p

Demonpenz

08-08-2005, 09:18 AM

umm if we did double team him who did we leave to go free? Unless we get to play with 12 there should have been a guy free, i think you need to look at the papers.

beavis

08-08-2005, 09:18 AM

Ray Ray is not the same player he used to be. Phug him, I could block his ass now.............
Don't let him hear you say that. He'll prolly bust a cap in yo ass.

Rain Man

08-08-2005, 09:20 AM

I think at the end of the game, we had Dante Hall blocking him one on one.

Goapics1

08-08-2005, 09:27 AM

Uhhh that might be an overstatement.......

:p
True, but if he was coming right at me, I'd fall straight to the ground and his ass would fall face first tripping over me. Course, I'd be crying like a little baby 'cause my ribs/legs would be broken.

Gaz

08-08-2005, 09:31 AM

Lewis’ “them meanies is blocking me” crying on MNF was great.

xoxo~
Gaz
Enjoyed that WAY too much.

jspchief

08-08-2005, 09:34 AM

Naa he'll never win MVP or probably even defensive player of the year because with that game last year he showed what really goes on with the middle linebacker position and lost some of his hype. All middle linebackers have to take on blocks and get blocked.....up until that point the average fan thought lewis was above and beyond all that. Now they know he's just a regular guy who gets blocked like anybody else and happens to make quite a few tackles. The way he'll be used in the 46, he won't have to take on blockers as often, so he should thrive this year. I doubt he'll be an MVP candidate though, because I think the Ravens will get torched running the 46, thus making their entire D look bad.

I know a lot of Chiefs fans like to beat their chests over that Monday night game. But some of the people coming in saying he sucks are being stupid. To base your opinion on him off of one game is ludicrous. He's easily been the best LB in the game for the better part of the last decade, and even having lost a step, he's still probably a top 5 LB.

Garcia Bronco

08-08-2005, 09:39 AM

That was some non-Bronco entertaining shit to watch last year...Ray-Ray got his ass embarassed.

CrazyHorse

08-08-2005, 09:40 AM

I remember specifically Brian Waters pancaking his ass on one play. In fact, Madden broke out the telestrator on him and was clearly pointing out that Ray Ray needed to stop whining about being double teamed.

It was the single biggest contributor to Waters making the probowl last season.

Madden has been in love with him (Waters) ever since.

Lzen

08-08-2005, 09:41 AM

I know a lot of Chiefs fans like to beat their chests over that Monday night game. But some of the people coming in saying he sucks are being stupid. To base your opinion on him off of one game is ludicrous. He's easily been the best LB in the game for the better part of the last decade, and even having lost a step, he's still probably a top 5 LB.

Yep. Although I don't agree that he's lost a step. I just think that the Chiefs, when they put their minds to it, can block anyone. The offensive line, FBs, TEs, WRs, everyone can block well. It was quite enjoyable watching a nobody like Jordan Black dominate Ray on that play. :thumb:
That said, I still don't think there's a better MLB in the game today.

Fire Me Boy!

08-08-2005, 09:43 AM

I was pretty sure Brian Waters got a good piece of him too... I'll have to rewatch it as soon as I get the game burned to DVD.

Rain Man

08-08-2005, 09:46 AM

I thought it was great near the end of the game when Lawrence Tynes pancaked him and then stood over him with his foot on Ray's chest doing that Tarzan yell.

Reerun_KC

08-08-2005, 09:49 AM

You know what is really funny, all these people trashing ray ray would give there left one to see him in Red and Gold.

I know I would.

Crush

08-08-2005, 09:50 AM

I thought it was great near the end of the game when Lawrence Tynes pancaked him and then stood over him with his foot on Ray's chest doing that Tarzan yell.

I distinctly remember that.

Cormac

08-08-2005, 10:29 AM

Ray Ray hasn't a chance of being league MVP. He's not the player he was, partly because he has nobody on the D-line ahead of him anymore. It's a far cry from Siragusa, Adams etc. in front of him now. They can't stop the run anymore.

ENDelt260

08-08-2005, 10:44 AM

You know what is really funny, all these people trashing ray ray would give there left one to see him in Red and Gold.

I know I would.
Bah. He's no Rich Scanlon.

Coach

08-08-2005, 10:48 AM

I guess he forgot all about the Chiefs whipping his ass.

I remember T-Rich and Willie Roaf just completely manhandling him, and he ends up crying to his coach that he was getting double teamed, while he was getting medical attention for his bloody nose.

Thig Lyfe

08-08-2005, 10:52 AM

I guess they didn't count the 15 bitchslappings that T-Rich and Black gave him.

Iowanian

08-08-2005, 10:58 AM

I wish someone would put a slide show together, of pic captures of all the KC Offensive players that whooped his ass, 1 v 1 on MNF last year.....maybe put it to music, and lets send it to his ass...and every sportswriter in the Northestern US.

go bo

08-08-2005, 11:58 AM

I wish someone would put a slide show together, of pic captures of all the KC Offensive players that whooped his ass, 1 v 1 on MNF last year.....maybe put it to music, and lets send it to his ass...and every sportswriter in the Northestern US.why just the northestern u.s.?

shouldn't the wetern and mid-wetren and lef coast get to shar the pleasures to?

Coach

08-08-2005, 12:01 PM

why just the northestern u.s.?

shouldn't the wetern and mid-wetren and lef coast get to shar the pleasures to?

Aw hell, just send it to the whole world. Everybody needs to know that Ray Lewis is the Chiefs O-Line's bitch.

Calcountry

08-08-2005, 12:48 PM

I think at the end of the game, we had Dante Hall blocking him one on one.ROFL

Calcountry

08-08-2005, 12:53 PM

You know what is really funny, all these people trashing ray ray would give there left one to see him in Red and Gold.

I know I would.Only bicyclists give their testicles to be good.

Calcountry

08-08-2005, 12:54 PM

Aw hell, just send it to the whole world. Everybody needs to know that Ray Lewis is the Chiefs O-Line's bitch.ROFL

chagrin

08-08-2005, 01:18 PM

"I didn't see nothing!"

J Diddy

08-08-2005, 01:33 PM

Only bicyclists give their testicles to be good.

To get Ray in the red and gold, I would contribute a nut without a doubt.

Wait a minute I just have to go ask my wife to get them out of her purse.

KCTitus

08-08-2005, 01:45 PM

Im no expert on breaking down game film, but I can remember more than 2 times Lewis getting pancaked by only one KC blocker. As I seem to recall from that game, Madden, after Lewis whining about double teams, had a clip montage of at least 2-3 different times he didnt get double teamed in the first half alone.

PRIEST

08-08-2005, 01:49 PM

To get Ray in the red and gold, I would contribute a nut without a doubt.

Wait a minute I just have to go ask my wife to get them out of her purse.

ROFL So true!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pitt Gorilla

08-08-2005, 01:51 PM

I wish someone would put a slide show together, of pic captures of all the KC Offensive players that whooped his ass, 1 v 1 on MNF last year.....maybe put it to music, and lets send it to his ass...and every sportswriter in the Northestern US.
That would be awesome. Where are our artsy types?

Lzen

08-08-2005, 02:39 PM

This sucks because I kept that game on my dvr for several weeks after that game. Wish I would've put on tape. :shake:

milkman

08-08-2005, 06:46 PM

You know what is really funny, all these people trashing ray ray would give there left one to see him in Red and Gold.

I know I would.

There are some players, regardless of talent, that I simply want no part of, a Ray Lewis is one of them.

Great player, no question.
One of the all-time great MLBs, again, no question.
And still one of the top defensive players in the game today.

But I can't stand his punk ass, and can't ever root for a character of that ilk, even if he were a Chief.

Pants

08-08-2005, 06:53 PM

That would be awesome. Where are our artsy types?

DRU! Come oh mang.

MGRS13

08-08-2005, 08:01 PM

Ray Lewis isnt even the best player on the Ravens D let alone the best player in the NFL. Hey Ray who's that safety on your team? Yea, he's pretty good , huh!

Big Chief Homer

08-08-2005, 08:56 PM

I dont care if hes lost a step or not.

That game last year was almost 1 year ago.If him and Billick are still bitchin about it.It just shows how much our O-line has gotten into his head.

Ive watched that game a ton of times and he was being manhandled by everyone.Roaf,Shields,T-rich,Black,but most of all Waters.

He was Bitchin about it then and he bitchin about it now.There inside his head.He knows he was owned.And Owned Tough on Monday night in front of millions of fans.Even Vermiel had a few choice words about his stupid Dance after the game.

He needs to STFU,because with all the talk about being double teamed.it means someone else was free and wasnt getting the job done.With all the self preservation,hes throwing the rest of his D under the bus.

Im going to watch it again now just to hear him cry.

Hammock Parties

08-08-2005, 08:58 PM

I wish someone would put a slide show together, of pic captures of all the KC Offensive players that whooped his ass, 1 v 1 on MNF last year.....maybe put it to music, and lets send it to his ass...and every sportswriter in the Northestern US.

I think I can fill that request.

Chiefs_Mike_Topeka

08-08-2005, 09:41 PM

I dont care if hes lost a step or not.

That game last year was almost 1 year ago.If him and Billick are still bitchin about it.It just shows how much our O-line has gotten into his head.

Ive watched that game a ton of times and he was being manhandled by everyone.Roaf,Shields,T-rich,Black,but most of all Waters.

He was Bitchin about it then and he bitchin about it now.There inside his head.He knows he was owned.And Owned Tough on Monday night in front of millions of fans.Even Vermiel had a few choice words about his stupid Dance after the game.

He needs to STFU,because with all the talk about being double teamed.it means someone else was free and wasnt getting the job done.With all the self preservation,hes throwing the rest of his D under the bus.

Im going to watch it again now just to hear him cry.

I find it pretty sad on his part that he is still trying to "defend" his play that game, you are right that he is worried about it affecting his "legacy".

JOhn

08-08-2005, 09:47 PM

I have that game taped, and been watching it, and counting the "double teams". ROFL

So far T-richhas planted him 3 times, and waters twice, and Roaf once. Not one time did any of them have any help. ROFL

I think he needs to go back and watch that tape again. :shake:

Chiefs Pantalones

08-08-2005, 09:58 PM

I loved that game. Ray got absolutely owned in that game.

Chiefs Pantalones

08-08-2005, 10:00 PM

Also, we own the Ravens. They've never beaten us, albeit, we've only played them 3 times.

Hammock Parties

08-08-2005, 11:04 PM

Does anyone have links to threads posted full of Ray Lewis getting pwned pics?

Pants

08-08-2005, 11:20 PM

Does anyone have links to threads posted full of Ray Lewis getting pwned pics?

If you have the video of the game, it'd be nice if you edited it to show just the pwnge. Also you could possibly capture snapshots if you wanted to create a slideshow.